Filey RNLI virtual lifeboat weekend smashes target

When the organisers realised that restrictions around coronavirus would make it impossible to hold the traditional lifeboat weekend they set about bringing together a virtual one.

“If you can’t come to our lifeboat weekend then we will bring it to you” was the slogan for the weekend, and bring it they did. Through a series of videos on both Facebook and Twitter viewers were able to take part in a rescue, be on board for a helicopter exercise, experience virtual tours, meet the crew, and reminisce with some archive footage.

Neil Cammish, Filey Lifeboat Coxswain/Mechanic, said: “We have raised a fantastic amount over the virtual lifeboat weekend. It certainly goes to show what can be done in these difficult times to pull together and raise funds for our volunteer crew. Very many thanks to everyone who has contributed to the virtual weekend and a massive thank you to anyone who has donated to Filey Lifeboat”

Videos of the day were viewed 158,000 times on Facebook and can still be viewed on Filey RNLI Facebook page. The whole of the virtual lifeboat weekend will be transferred to a new Filey Lifeboat YouTube channel in the next few weeks.

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